Cape Cod Bluefin Tuna Offshore Fishing
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target bluefin tuna and sharks in Plymouth waters offshoreExpert Captain Ed provides equipment, bait, and fishing guidanceTwelvehour charter accommodates up to six guests maximum
When you're talking serious big game fishing on the East Coast, Cape Cod Bay and Plymouth waters are where legends are made. Captain Ed runs one of the top-rated bluefin tuna charters in Massachusetts, and this 12-hour offshore adventure puts you right in the heart of some of the best tuna fishing grounds in the country. You're not just casting a line here – you're stepping into waters where massive giants cruise alongside scrappy footballs, and every hookup could be the fish of a lifetime. Whether you've been chasing tuna for years or you're ready to graduate from inshore fishing, this trip delivers the kind of action that keeps anglers coming back season after season.
This isn't your typical half-day fishing trip. We're talking about a full 12-hour commitment that takes you from the early morning bite through prime afternoon feeding windows. Captain Ed knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll position you over productive structure where bluefin have been feeding. The boat's equipped with top-shelf gear, fresh bait, and all the terminal tackle you'll need to handle everything from 40-pound schoolies to 200-plus-pound giants. You'll cover serious ground, running from inshore structure to offshore drop-offs where the big fish patrol. The captain provides hands-on coaching whether you're learning to work a topwater plug or fighting your first giant on heavy tackle. With space for up to six anglers, there's room to spread out and everyone gets their shot at trophy fish. Pack your own lunch and drinks because once we're on fish, nobody wants to head back to port early.
Cape Cod bluefin fishing means adapting to what the fish want on any given day. We'll be ready with multiple approaches – chunking with fresh herring and mackerel when the fish are feeding deep, trolling spreads when they're scattered, and topwater action when they're busting bait on the surface. The boat carries heavy conventional reels spooled with 80 to 100-pound test for the big fish, plus lighter spinning gear for the smaller tuna that still fight like freight trains. You'll learn proper harness techniques for fighting larger fish, how to work the drag during long runs, and the art of keeping steady pressure without pulling hooks. Captain Ed will show you how to read the electronics, spot working birds, and recognize the subtle signs that indicate feeding fish below. The mixed bag potential here means rigging for striped bass, summer flounder, and Atlantic cod that often show up while you're targeting tuna. Shark fishing adds another dimension when the bite slows – these waters hold some serious toothy critters that test your tackle and your nerves.
Bluefin tuna are the stars of this show, and Cape Cod Bay holds some of the most consistent populations on the East Coast. These fish range from 40-pound "footballs" that are perfect for lighter tackle fun, all the way up to giant bluefin pushing 300 pounds or more. Peak season runs from June through October, with the largest fish typically showing up in late summer and fall. What makes bluefin so special is their incredible power – they're built for speed and endurance, capable of long smoking runs that can strip hundreds of yards of line in seconds. The smaller fish jump and dance on the surface, while the giants just put their heads down and pull like submarines.
Striped bass cruise these same waters and provide fantastic action when tuna fishing slows down. Cape Cod Bay stripers average 20 to 40 pounds, with trophy fish over 50 pounds always a possibility. These fish are structure-oriented, relating to rocky bottom, drop-offs, and bait schools. They hit both live bait and artificials hard, and they're known for their dogged fights in the shallow to mid-depth water columns. Fall fishing for stripers here is world-class, as massive schools migrate through on their way south.
Summer flounder, or fluke as locals call them, are the flatfish kings of these waters. Cape Cod Bay produces quality doormat fluke from late spring through early fall, with fish commonly running 3 to 8 pounds and occasional giants hitting double digits. They're ambush predators that lie buried in sand and mud, striking bait with lightning speed. The fight might not be as explosive as tuna, but landing a 6-pound fluke on light tackle is pure satisfaction, plus they're among the best eating fish in these waters.
Atlantic cod round out the mixed bag and represent some of the most traditional fishing in New England waters. These bottom dwellers prefer deeper structure and cooler water, making them more common during spring and fall trips. Cape Cod Bay cod typically run 5 to 15 pounds, though larger fish show up regularly. They're not the strongest fighters, but they're persistent and steady, and fresh cod is a customer favorite for the dinner table. Cod fishing often produces multiple species as you're working the same bottom structure that holds other groundfish species.
Captain Ed's bluefin charters book up fast during peak season, especially when the bite is hot and word gets out. This 12-hour offshore adventure gives you the best shot at multiple species and trophy-sized fish that you'll be talking about for years. The combination of expert local knowledge, quality equipment, and prime fishing grounds makes this one of the most popular charters on Cape Cod. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so plan accordingly when you lock in your date. Whether you're an experienced angler looking to upgrade your game or a family ready for serious fishing adventure, this trip delivers the kind of action that separates real fishing from just wetting a line. The waters off Plymouth and Cape Cod Bay are calling – time to answer with a charter that puts you on fish and creates the memories that keep you coming back to the salt.
Step aboard our 29-foot Shamrock Walkaround and get ready to chase bluefin tuna in the rich waters off Plymouth and Cape Cod Bay. This solid 2002 motorboat packs twin 320-horsepower engines that'll cruise you out to the fishing grounds at 27 knots, cutting through swells with ease. Our experienced first mate knows these waters inside and out, using the onboard GPS and fish finder to locate where the big tuna are feeding. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when we're positioning for the perfect shot at trophy fish. Between fights with football-sized bluefin and massive giants, you can grab a cold drink from the refrigerator, use the head, or catch your breath in the comfortable cabin. The full kitchen and bed mean we're set up for those long offshore battles that can stretch well into the day. Outriggers spread your lines wide to cover more water as we target these powerful gamefish that Cape Cod Bay is famous for.
Gadus MorhuaAtlantic cod are bottom dwellers that love rocky, structured areas in 60-200 feet of water around here. These chunky fighters average 15-25 pounds but can surprise you with much bigger specimens. Winter through early spring offers the best cod fishing when they move into shallower waters. What draws people to cod fishing is their solid, determined fight and exceptional eating quality - firm, flaky white meat that's perfect for any preparation. They're opportunistic feeders that'll hit everything from sea worms to cut bait. The key trick with cod is using enough weight to stay on bottom in current, and when you feel that distinctive head-shaking bite, give a firm hook set. They have tough mouths, so don't be gentle about it.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin tuna are the ultimate game fish - torpedo-shaped powerhouses averaging 100-400 pounds that'll test every bit of your tackle and stamina. We target them in 60-200 feet of water around bait schools and temperature breaks from June through October. These warm-blooded speedsters can hit 40+ mph and dive deep, making every hookup a battle you'll never forget. Beyond the fight, bluefin are prized for their rich, buttery meat that's sushi-grade quality. They're highly regulated, so you need proper permits and tags. Best tip for landing one: when trolling, use circle hooks with fresh herring or mackerel, and when one hits, clear the other lines fast. Once hooked, settle in for a long fight and keep steady pressure - they'll make multiple runs.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the backbone of our fishery here, running 20-40 pounds on average with that unmistakable fight. These structure-loving fish cruise along rocky shorelines, around bridge pilings, and over sandy flats in 10-60 feet of water. Spring and fall migrations bring the best action when they're feeding heavily on bunker and herring. What keeps anglers coming back is their powerful runs and the fact they're phenomenal eating - firm, white meat with great flavor. They're also incredibly adaptable, feeding at dawn, dusk, and even midday depending on conditions. Pro tip: when live-lining bunker, hook them lightly through the nose and let them swim naturally. The bass will often follow for a while before committing, so patience pays off big time.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder are master ambush predators that lie flat on sandy bottoms, perfectly camouflaged with their color-changing abilities. These "doormat" flatfish average 15-20 inches but can reach impressive sizes up to 26 pounds. You'll find them in depths from shallow inshore waters to about 200 feet, especially around structure and drop-offs. Fall fishing from September through November is prime time when they're actively feeding before winter. What makes fluke fishing addictive is their sneaky bite and excellent table fare - sweet, flaky meat that's hard to beat. Here's a local trick: when you feel that subtle tap-tap, don't set the hook immediately. Let them run with it for a few seconds since they bite sideways and need time to turn the bait around.
Plymouth, MA